The holy mysteries are purified first with wine alone, which cleanses the chalice and the mouth as a purification, then with wine and water together, purifying the fingers that have touched the sacred Host, and reciting the two ancient Postcommunion prayers *Quod ore sumpsimus* and *Corpus tuum*. In ancient times, this ablution concluded the Mass, although in the ancient Roman rite the ablution was repeated after Mass in the sacristy, as still occurs today in the Mozarabic and Greek-Byzantine rites.
Until the 16th century, the manner of performing the ablution varied according to place and time. Generally, the chalice was purified once with wine alone; the fingers, however, with wine alone or with water alone. Over time, the custom finally became established of performing the ablution first with wine and then with wine and water. These liquids were then poured into the piscina or another suitable place; sometimes, however, they were eagerly sought by the faithful, who would use them or drink them as a kind of sacramental, from which they hoped for heavenly favors for body and soul. Where the second ablution was in use, it was performed not at the altar but in the sacristy or near the piscina. In many places, the ablution was not accompanied by prayers; in others, by one, two, or even three prayers. The present rite was established by Pius V in 1570. Bishops, abbots, and those who have the privilege of pontificalia also wash their hands after the ablution of the chalice and fingers, as all priests were accustomed to do in the 11th century.